Neck Worn Sensory Stimulation Device with Multi-Modal Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable sensory stimulation devices, such as headphones and earbuds, have limitations in delivering lower frequency audio and providing multi-sensory experiences, particularly in terms of tactile and olfactory stimulation.
Innovation Solution
The integration of transduction components like vibration speakers, haptic exciters, electrical stimulation, and olfactory release systems into wearable devices, along with monitoring sensors placed on the back of the neck and spine, enhances audio output performance and delivers multi-sensory experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If vibration speakers or haptic transducers are added to wearable devices, then lower frequency audio delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transduction components (vibration speakers, haptic exciters, electrical stimulation devices, olfactory release systems) into a single wearable apparatus that integrates audio delivery, tactile feedback, and physiological monitoring functions, thereby improving lower frequency audio delivery while managing device complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: audio delivery through headphones, lower frequency delivery through vibration speakers on the back of the neck, physiological monitoring through sensors, and tactile stimulation through haptic exciters, making the device universal and multi-functional
2Measurement precision
If monitoring sensors are placed on the back of the neck and spine, then physiological process monitoring is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent places specific monitoring sensors at localized positions on the back of the neck and spine where they can effectively detect physiological processes such as brain stem activity, heart rate, and oxygenation, optimizing measurement precision at critical anatomical locations without requiring comprehensive coverage of the entire body
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring sensors are integrated into the existing wearable apparatus structure, combining physiological monitoring functionality with the audio delivery system rather than requiring separate monitoring equipment, thereby improving measurement capabilities while minimizing additional device complexity
3Adaptability or versatility
If transduction components are added to deliver multi-sensory stimulation, then sensory stimulation capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wearable apparatus is designed as a multi-functional system that delivers auditory stimulation through headphones, tactile stimulation through vibration speakers and haptic exciters, and olfactory stimulation through release systems, enabling multi-sensory experiences across different sensory modalities within a single device platform
Solution Approach 2:
The patent divides the sensory stimulation system into separate modular components (audio delivery system, vibration delivery system, olfactory delivery system) that can be independently controlled and optimized, allowing each transduction component to be tuned for its specific sensory modality while maintaining overall system coordination
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are wearable sensory stimulation and monitoring devices that can be worn around the back of the neck along and in contact with the spine. Apparatuses described herein stimulate one or more senses including auditory, tactile or olfactory. Apparatuses are also described that allow for sensing and monitoring of physiologic parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure and movement. The device also has features that allow for easy attachment or integration to articles worn on the head such as augmented reality and virtual reality accessories to provide visual stimulation and entertainment.